Do you wonder why your child cannot sit still or stay quiet, even after multiple reminders? Does your child get fidgety and restless over time? Do you notice that your child cannot focus well and has a reduced attention span? Well, my dear parents, it is time to consult a pediatrician because your child might be hyperactive. Don’t get alarmed! Here is everything you need to know about hyperactivity in kids before you panic or speculate.
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| Know about Hyperactivity in kids |
What Do You Mean by Hyperactivity in Kids?
Hyperactivity in kids, often referred to as ADHD or Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a medical condition affecting numerous children until they enter adulthood. Hyperactive kids show impulsive behavior and have a hard time sustaining attention. They may struggle with low self-esteem and poor performance in academics. Some classic signs of hyperactivity in kids include-
Distraction
Hyperactive kids have trouble focusing on something for long and lack
attention. They cannot concentrate and are easily distracted. They may miss
essential details when taking instructions and do not finish a task. You may
find them often daydreaming and absent-minded.
Hyperactivity
Kids with ADHD are always restless and fidgety. They cannot stay
quiet, often haste through things, and frequently commit careless mistakes. You
may often find them jumping, climbing, and acting to disrupt people around
them.
Impulsive Behavior
Hyperactive kids act impulsively without thinking. They find waiting difficult and may interrupt, push, or grab when asked to sit tight. They may show intense emotional reactions to ordinary situations.
Before you jump to conclusions, it is essential to understand that your child may or may not have ADHD because it is normal for kids to be restless or impatient. Virtues like self-control and attention develop over time as your little munchkins grow and learn these skills. When these signs keep causing problems at school or home, you should seek medical attention.
Hyperactivity - Cause and Diagnosis
An affirmative cause for hyperactivity in kids is not clear. However, evidence and studies suggest that it may be inherited. Kids born premature or those exposed to an environmental toxin are at higher risk of developing ADHD. Further, kids whose mothers use drugs or alcohol during pregnancy are more likely to develop hyperactivity. As opposed to prevalent myths, hyperactivity in kids is not caused by poor parenting, overeating sugar, or longer screen time.
If you feel that your child might be hyperactive, you should consult a pediatrician. The doctor will do a thorough checkup to ensure that the symptoms are not showing up because of other factors.
Further, your pediatrician may ask several questions about the child’s health, activity, and behavior. If the doctor finds that the child is having trouble paying attention or the child’s behavior is affecting school. Then he may do a further examination to confirm his findings.
A thorough health checkup may reveal if the child has additional
issues like mood and anxiety problems, learning issues, or defiant behavior.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the pediatrician may refer you to a
child psychologist.
Hyperactivity in Kids Affects Brain Health
Research has revealed that ADHD is a brain disorder wherein brain scans show differences in several areas. However, these differences change as the child grows up and matures. We should understand that the brain is a primary organ that controls feelings, emotions, thinking, and behavioral responses. Some brain structures can be smaller in kids with ADHD. Further, the neural network and neurotransmitters work differently in children with ADHD.
However, it is not completely explicable how these changes influence
the symptoms in hyperactive kids. If your child seems hyperactive, shows
impulsive behavior, or has a problem paying attention, consult with a qualified
mental health professional.
It is essential to remember that your child cannot overcome the
symptoms by trying to concentrate better. Since the brain of hyperactive kids
has structural differences, these kids cannot respond or behave like their
healthy peers. Children with ADHD require parental support throughout the
treatment process.
Hyperactivity Treatment
Hyperactivity in kids is usually treated at different levels using a combination of-
● Medication
- Medicines help in
activating the brain to practice self-control and pay more attention.
● Behavioral
Therapy - It helps
kids in developing social and emotional skills.
● Parent
coaching - No
treatment will be effective if the parents do not know how to respond to their
hyperactive kids. Therefore, doctors combine child therapy with parental coaching
to help parents understand the problem and respond in the best possible ways.
● Teacher’s
Support - It is
essential to get involved with your kids. Ask the teachers to support your
child at school.
It is also imperative to provide recommended medication on time. Besides, hyperactive kids show immense improvement in ADHD symptoms with proper treatment, a healthy diet, exercise, ample sleep, and parental support.
How Can Parents Help Hyperactive Kids at Home?
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in healing children with ADHD. A mere change in response can work wonders for hyperactive kids. Here are some ways by which parents can help their hyperactive kids at home:
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| Hyperactive kids need more parental support! |
● Be
Involved and Understand How ADHD Affects Your Kid
Every child with ADHD requires a different
kind of treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. Some may require
more work on their attention span, while others may need to slow down a bit to
get better. Consult with your therapist to know more about your hyperactive
kid. Give the recommended dose of medication on time. Try to get involved to
help your child practice and improve their skills.
● Implement
Discipline with Love
You can discuss with your therapist how to respond to your child and implement discipline. Try implementing only one rule at a time, and do not forget to praise your kid on every successful attempt.
Never criticize or punish. Instead, show encouragement and support. Set clear
expectations and properly explain how you want your kid to behave. Implement a
regular schedule for everyday tasks.
● Make
Time for Fun Activities
It is imperative to slow down in the evening
and indulge in some relaxing fun activities together. Give your complete
attention to your child, and remember to compliment positive behavior. A
positive attitude can help you and your child go a long way toward healing
ADHD.
● Try
to Balance Movement and Sleep
Hyperactive kids usually burn ample energy
during the day. They are always energized and ready to engage in activities at
any time. You can use this energy constructively by enrolling your kids in
organized sports or similar activities that require physical movement. It will
also help promote good sleep at night. Implement a healthy sleep cycle with a
regular nighttime routine.
Must read- Open-Ended Bedtime Questions for Sound Sleep
● Focus
on Nourishing Diet and Healthy Routines
Food can affect the mental state of your
child. Therefore, it is essential to know what, when, and how much to serve
your hyperactive kid. Serve fresh, regular meals. Eliminate caffeine, sugary,
and junk food from your kid’s diet.
Sleep Aid Formula 11ml
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